The historic sites in the city of Williams Lake and surrounding area encompass the mystery of First Nations, the struggle of the early settlers, the heyday of the Gold Rush, and the romance and ruggedness of pioneering cowboys.
Located at the south end of Williams Lake on Highway 97 is the Chief William Heritage Site and RV Park, featuring a reconstructed pit house and an impressive log and timber arbor, which seats more than a thousand people under it, and is used for powwow/gatherings. Named for Secwepemc Chief Will Yum (some believe the city is named for this Chief, though others believe it is named for William Pinchbeck), the site is home to the First Nation Williams Lake band's annual contests and Father's Day powwow. Visitors and locals are welcome to join these events.
Xat'sull Heritage Village
Also on Highway 97, 37km/23mi north of Williams Lake is the Xat'sull Heritage Village, pronounced "Hat-sool." The village is constructed on its ancient village site overlooking the Fraser River. Here visitors may discover the spiritual and cultural traditions of these proud Native people. Embark on a cultural tour and see early petroglyphs, visit the sweat lodge and perchance have a spiritual experience, take part in the annual Xat'sull powwow, or listen as the elders teach through the time-honored tradition of storytelling.
Pinchbeck's Grave
Constable William Pinchbeck came to the Cariboo in 1860 to keep law and order. After settling a claim, he established a race track, stockade and auction where the industrial part of Williams Lake is today, and located his homestead on the land now used for the Stampede. Pinchbeck built a rest house, which included bedrooms, a restaurant, saloon and store, on the northwest hill overlooking Williams Lake. He died in 1893 at the age of 62 and was buried in a small grave on the Stampede Hill overlooking the lake. The grave still stands.
Cowboy History
The Williams Lake Museum is the home of the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame, and features photos, biographies and memorabilia of BC's outstanding cowboys and cowgirls. The museum focuses on ranching and rodeos, as well as the Shuswap Nation, particularly the Soda Creek and Williams Lake Sugar Cane bands, and possesses an extensive collection of artifacts contributed by the First Nations people in the area.
The original BC Rail Station, built in the 1920s, is now Station House Gallery, which displays contemporary works by the region's artists.
Mining History
North of Williams Lake is Quesnel Forks, a mining camp built in the 1860s. Quesnel Forks was one of the rowdy centres for the Cariboo Gold Rush until the area was bypassed by the Cariboo Waggon Rd. The town was abandoned in 1956, but the ghost town is open for self-guided tours. It is located near the community of Likely, about 2.5 hours from Williams Lake. Enquire in advance about road conditions at the Williams Lake Visitor Centre.
Chinese History in Williams Lake
The Chinese played an important part in Williams Lake history. Thousands traveled from California in 1858 and it is estimated that 6,000-7,000 Chinese immigrants came from Hong Kong to the area. Cariboo Chilcotin Jet Boat Adventures includes this Asian history in its cultural excursions, and tours take in Chinese gold mining claims.
For more information on the history and heritage sites in and around Williams Lake, stop in at the Williams Lake Tourism Discovery Centre/Visitor Centre located on Highway 97 just south of town.
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